In the 2025 NBA Draft, 19-year-old 6’10” center Thomas Sorber from Georgetown University was selected as the No. 15 pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His path to the NBA is not just about his skills in sports. It is also about his determination, his family, and his strong ties to his Liberian heritage.
Born In Trenton, New Jersey, In December 2005, Thomas Carries The Legacy Of His Parents
Peter and Tenneh Sorber, immigrants who fled war-torn Liberia in the late 1990s to build a new life in the United States.
Thomas’s parents, Peter and Tenneh, came from Monrovia, Liberia, a city scarred by civil conflict during their time.
Seeking safety and opportunity, they resettled in the U.S., where they raised Thomas and his two older siblings, Peter Jr. and Regina.
Peter Sr., a man of ambition and intellect, studied Electronics Engineering at Rutgers University, graduating in 1986, and later pursued Information Technology at Almeda University in Idaho, earning a degree in 2006.
He built a successful career as Vice President of Information Technology at PSI Computer Services Corporation from 2002 until his untimely death in 2013.
Tragedy struck the Sorber family when Thomas was just six years old. Peter Sr. lost his battle with colon cancer, leaving Tenneh to raise three children alone.
A soccer coach with a passion for sports, Peter had established an early love for basketball in his children, often spending Saturday mornings at the park coaching them.
His death was a devastating blow, but Tenneh, a woman of incredible strength, kept his memory alive.
She honored her husband’s final wish to keep their sons in Catholic school and on the basketball court, even if it meant working two to three jobs to make ends meet.
Tenneh’s sacrifices were immense, driving Thomas and Peter Jr. to club practices every weekend and shuttling both boys to countless games, all while providing emotional support.
In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, she shared the weight of her grief and responsibility:
“If they see me crying, they ask me why,” she recalled. “It’s like they’re afraid to lose me, so I said to myself, ‘I’ve got to be strong for these kids,’ because I was going through a lot. “
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Thomas’s drive, both on and off the court, came from her strength.
Thomas’s Relationship With His Mother Is The Heartbeat Of His Story
Thomas told the Philadelphia Inquirer-:
“At the end of the day, I just want to make my mom happy, They’re not giving him the ball, or it was just too much. Gradually, Thomas started picking up. She tells me almost every day that she’s proud of meShe tells me almost every day that she’s proud of me. Just keep being me. Don’t let anybody bring you down.”
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Their bond is built on frequent phone calls and a quiet understanding. Tenneh’s pride in her son is unwavering.
Her help was key in his decision to attend Georgetown University, where he excelled as a freshman center for the Hoyas.
Thomas’s older brother, Peter Jr., also carries the family’s athletic torch.
A standout at Lincoln University, Peter Jr. earned MVP honors and a championship ring in 2024, proving that basketball runs deep in the Sorber bloodline.
Together, the siblings have leaned on each other, drawing strength from their shared experiences and their mother’s unyielding support.
Thomas’s Basketball Journey Began At Trenton Catholic Academy, Where His Talent First Caught Attention
He later transferred to Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills and showcased his potential as a dominant center.
Standing at 6’10”, Thomas combined size, agility, and skill to become a standout player.
His freshman season at Georgetown was nothing short of spectacular, earning him a spot in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thomas joins a championship-caliber team known for its dynamic play and strong culture.
His versatility as a big man—capable of defending the paint, rebounding, and contributing offensively—makes him a valuable addition to OKC’s roster.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he’ll develop alongside the Thunder’s young core.
Thomas Sorber’s story is about more than basketball. It’s about carrying forward the dreams of his parents, who left Liberia for a better future.
It’s about a mother’s sacrifices and a family’s unbreakable bond. It’s about a young man who, at 19, is already honoring his father’s memory and his mother’s strength by chasing greatness.
As he steps onto the NBA stage, Thomas remains grounded in his roots, driven by a simple goal: to make his family proud and ensure his mother never has to work another day.
With his Liberian heritage and American upbringing, Thomas Sorber is a symbol of strength and hope—a rising star whose journey is just beginning.
